Jessica Cao

Life and relationships can sometimes feel incredibly overwhelming, especially when you are dealing with deeply personal pain. As a bilingual (English, Mandarin, Cantonese) therapist, my goal is to provide a safe, warm, and entirely judgment-free space where you can truly be heard and heal. Where I Can Help: • Sex Therapy, Intimacy & Betrayal: If you are navigating the painful aftermath of infidelity, struggling to rebuild trust, or facing challenges in your sexual relationship, I am here to help. I hold a professional certificate in Sexual Health (sex therapy and sexuality education) from the University of Michigan, and I specialize in working through sexual trauma, intimacy blocks, and the complicated emotions of relationship betrayal. • Trauma & Domestic Abuse: Having worked as an MOU counselor in domestic violence agencies and completed Illinois' 40-hour domestic violence training, I have a deep understanding of complex trauma and power dynamics. If you are healing from an abusive or high-conflict relationship, I know how to help you find your footing and safety again. • Christian Marriages & Families: For many of my clients, faith is the foundation of their lives. I have completed the Foundations of Biblical Counseling certificate through Chinese Family Ministry (CFM). However, my approach is faith-integrated therapy rather than strict biblical counseling. This means I honor and incorporate your Christian values into our work, without ever forcing religious doctrines on you. We will use proven clinical tools that align with your faith to heal your marriage and family dynamics. My Approach to Therapy: I don’t believe in a "one-size-fits-all" approach because your story, your trauma, and your relationship dynamics are entirely unique to you. My therapy style is Integrative, Relational, and Trauma-Informed. What does that actually mean for you? • Safety First: Because of my background in trauma and domestic violence, establishing your emotional and physical safety is always my priority. We go at your pace. • Systemic Lens: I look at the big picture. We won't just look at the current argument or crisis; we will explore your family background, cultural roots, and belief systems to understand why things are happening. • Tailored Tools: I blend practical tools (to help you manage immediate triggers or communication breakdowns) with deep exploratory work (to heal the root of the trauma). We might focus on how your body holds stress, how to rebuild trust step-by-step, or how to align your decisions with your faith. I adapt to what you need, not the other way around. Community Advocacy & Values: I am deeply committed to the well-being of the Asian American community. For years, I have actively provided workshops and services advocating for immigrant rights, Asian mental health, women's empowerment, and comprehensive sexual education for adolescents. I bring this culturally sensitive and advocacy-driven perspective into my clinical practice. Immigration Psychological Evaluations: In addition to therapy, I provide professional, detailed psychological evaluations for immigration cases. I work closely with individuals and their attorneys to document the psychological impact of their unique circumstances. My services include evaluations for Extreme Hardship Waivers (I-601/I-601A), Cancellation of Removal, Asylum, VAWA (Violence Against Women Act), U & T Visas. I currently accept private pay and can provide you a superbill to submit to your insurance for potential out-of-network reimbursement. If you are looking to use your insurance benefits, my highly trained colleague is in-network with BlueCross BlueShield PPO and offers sessions under my supervision. Reaching out takes courage, but it is the first step toward healing. I invite you to contact me for a free 15-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit.